On Thursday, August 13th, the infamous "Big Bread Thief" made an appearance at Rakuten Eagles Mobile's Saikyo Park Miyagi, a place brimming with summer excitement right in the middle of the holidays!

The hugely popular picture book series "The Bread Thief," which has sold over 6 million copies in total, is finally getting an anime adaptation! To celebrate, special collaboration merchandise with the six Pacific League baseball teams has been released. And to further liven up the release of the collaboration merchandise, "The Big Bread Thief" made an appearance at Rakuten Eagles Mobile's Saikyo Park Miyagi.

This report covers the exciting event featuring the beloved character "The Bread Thief," a character enjoyed by generations.

Lines formed at the special booth for the highly popular collaboration merchandise even before sales began.

In the main plaza, a special booth appeared featuring a lineup of collaboration goods between the Rakuten Eagles and 'Bread Thief.' Despite the unstable weather, it was a great success with many people lining up even before the start of sales.

There are a total of seven types of original goods, including acrylic stands, face towels, and Sagara pouches, featuring designs of Bread Thief enjoying baseball. The sight of children happily holding the collaboration goods added a peaceful touch to various parts of the stadium.

The "Big Bread Thief" finally arrives! A photo session attended by people of all ages.

A photo session for collaboration goods purchasers was held at the "EAGLE STAGE" in the front plaza. When "Big Pan Dorobou" appeared, cheers of "So cute!" and "It's Pan Dorobou!" erupted at its plump form and exquisite expression, looking as if it had jumped straight out of the picture book.

About 50 groups participated in the photo session, with each participant holding up their favorite goods and posing for the camera with a big smile.

Off to the ground! ...Or so I thought, but instead, a greeting via the large screen.

Just before the start of the game, greetings were to be given from the ground to everyone in the stands! ...but at that moment, it started to rain, and the greetings were suddenly delivered via the large screen.

When Rakuten Eagles event reporter Suzuka introduced the visit and the release of collaboration goods, "Big Bread Thief" also waved its hands vigorously from the other side of the screen to appeal to the crowd.

Despite the gloomy weather, the "Big Bread Thief" brought a cheerful atmosphere to the stadium. Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi event has ended, but collaborative merchandise with the six Pacific League League teams is still on sale. These cute items are perfect for cheering at the stadium, as well as for everyday use. Be sure to check out the Bread Thief merchandise, which is only available for a limited time, at each team's online store or merchandise shop!

Interview and text by Sari Ikeda